Are You A Dangerous Driver?

The scene is all too familiar. You're driving home on the highway and you spot a guy driving like a maniac. You shake your head and wonder what's wrong with him as you thank your lucky stars that you spotted him fast enough to get out of the way.

So what's wrong with him? He's human, and he thinks he's a great driver. That's what's wrong with him. But don't saddle up that high horse; you're probably just as bad yourself. In a 2003 driving poll conducted by The National Safe Driving Test, 91% of all drivers admitted to engaging in risky driving behavior over a six-month span. So, the next time you mutter something about that maniac on the road, remember that there's a good chance someone has said the same thing about you.

As a guy, there's an even greater likelihood that you're a dangerous driver — the same poll suggested that women are 11% less likely than men to engage in risky driving. That's why it's important to start protecting yourself from yourself by looking out for warning signs. Although many of them seem obvious, drivers often fail to register that they are reckless behind the wheel.

Here are some signs that suggest that you're a dangerous driver. To help you grade yourself, I've included a rating system as a guide. The system is rated on a scale of one to five, with one marking the least dangerous behavior and five being the most dangerous. A five accompanies something that you should never do, while a one marks something that may not be perceived as reckless, but can still lead to an accident on the road.

moving violations

Moving violations are probably the most obvious warning sign that you're a danger behind the wheel. Safe driving starts with cutting down on moving violations.

You roll through stop signs

In California, we call it a "California Stop," a misnomer because you don't actually come to a complete stop. A lot of people simply slow down, check for traffic, and then proceed. But remember that the sign there to protect you. Coming to a complete stop is the only way to be certain that there is no oncoming traffic. That may seem like obvious advice, but a full 87% of surveyed drivers felt that there was no need to stop, providing the intersection was clear. Danger rating: 4

You drive too fast

Speed kills. There are no two ways about it. Speeding is responsible for 30% of all fatal crashes and, according to the poll, 71% of us do it. Some guys like to drive fast and others only speed when they're late; neither reason makes doing so safe. Danger rating: 4